Director of Programs & Community

Why this role matters

Programs and community are how Open Fields Alliance delivers on its mission of valuing and advancing LGBTQ+ people in food and agriculture. This person owns them. You will shape what we offer, notice what our community needs before anyone asks, and build the programs and processes that let us show up year-round with consistency and care.

Position summary

The Director of Programs & Community owns the strategy, design, and delivery of OFA’s programs, including the Annual Conference, and builds the relationships that make up our community. You are accountable for outcomes, not just tasks. You will work closely with the Executive Director, our marketing team, and our operations support, so you can focus on judgment and relationships.

Who thrives in this role

This role fits an independent professional who wants OFA to be a core part of their work. You bring the ownership of a leader and the flexibility of a contractor. You may have other clients or commitments, and what matters is that you can give OFA consistent, dependable focus and stand behind the results. We expect to start at about 20 hours a week, with room for the role to grow as OFA does.

What you will do

Own our programs

• Own the full portfolio: Collegiate Network, Affinity Groups, Awards, SpectrumNEXT, OFA at Work, Open Fields Socials, the scholarship program, and webinars

• Run application and selection processes, program content, and participant experience

• Spot gaps in what we offer and propose, pilot, and launch new programs

• Work with the Executive Director, who stays closely involved in select programs

Professionalize the Collegiate Network

• Formalize how campus chapters operate, including structure, expectations, and onboarding

• Build a direct staff relationship with each chapter and develop regular communications

• Set the baseline in the first year by taking stock of what exists and what chapters need, so we can build from there

Lead the Annual Conference

• Own program and content design, speaker selection, volunteer teams, venue and vendor negotiation, budget, and onsite execution

• Manage the Annual Conference budget with oversight from the Executive Director

• Direct the Operations Coordinator on registration and behind-the-scenes support

• Partner with our marketing team, who set and carry out conference marketing

Build and grow our community

• Engage our community day to day and find new ways to deepen participation between events

• Recruit, manage, and develop volunteers

• Source community voices and stories for our marketing team to bring to life

Build processes

• Document playbooks, timelines, and checklists for every program so each year starts stronger than the last

• Hand off recurring tasks to the Operations Coordinator and keep the documentation current

Measure and improve

• Gather participant feedback, evaluate outcomes, and report to the Executive Director, board, and funders

• Manage program budgets within approved amounts

• Over time, take on program-level partnerships with universities, companies, and industry organizations

What you bring

Required

• 3–6 years of experience in program management, community engagement, events, or nonprofit work

• Track record of owning programs end to end, including launching something new

• Event planning experience, including vendor and venue negotiation

• Strong project management and organizational skills

• Attention to detail and desire to deliver excellent programs

• Comfort working independently and proactively in a remote, part-time role

• Commitment to inclusion, belonging, and community-centered work

Preferred

• Experience in food, agriculture, or adjacent industries

• Nonprofit or association experience

• Volunteer management experience

• Experience with LGBTQ+ or other underrepresented communities

• Experience building processes and documentation

Why Open Fields Alliance

Open Fields Alliance (OFA) is a national nonprofit dedicated to valuing and advancing LGBTQ+ people in food and agriculture. Through three pillars, Grow, Connect, and Lead, we create spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals can show up authentically, find community, and grow their careers in food and agriculture. Since 2016, OFA has empowered thousands of people in food and agriculture through leadership programs, the Annual Conference, collegiate chapters, and partnerships that drive belonging and inclusion across rural and agricultural communities. Together, we’re building a stronger, more equitable future for food and agriculture, where everyone can be visible, valued, and proud.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply.

How to apply

Submit a resume and a brief note about your interest and relevant experience to OFA Executive Director, Derek Mulhern at info@openfieldsalliance.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For priority consideration, apply by November 4, 2026.